News reports today say that WestJet is in talks with Air France in an effort to reach an “interline” agreement which would see the airlines cooperate on services.
According to the Globe and Mail, details are being ironed out to first clear the way for WestJet to accept inbound Air France electronic tickets by mid-2008. Air France would accept outbound WestJet e-tickets by the end of 2008. The outbound arrangement means Canadian consumers could eventually book a flight to Paris through WestJet, with Air France getting part of the fare revenue after the French carrier flies passengers overseas.
“Discussions with Air France have been very positive, and there is a strong desire by both airlines to move ahead on an interline traffic agreement,” said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet executive vice-president of commercial distribution in the article.
Dunleavy said WestJet would announce “substantive airline partners” in 2008. Other “potential” partners being mentioned — no less than Cathay Pacific and British Airways.
Christian Herzog, Air France vice-president of the Americas, said in an interview with the Globe and Mail that no WestJet-Air France deal has been inked yet, but “Canada is an important market for us. WestJet would be a good partner.”
Christian Lahccen, Air France vice-president for Canada, expressed regard for WestJet’s growing network, a sign of “an excellent company.”
WestJet will initially benefit by attracting Air France passengers arriving in Montreal and Toronto, but who want to connect to other cities, said Michael Merrithew, chief executive officer of Toronto-based tour operator Merit Travel Group Inc.
Very nice move for the airline that, as we noted last week in PlaneBusiness Banter, not only posted the best operating margin of any airline in North America for the third quarter, but also posted the lowest break-even load factor as well.
Ticker: (WJA.TO)
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